Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Lightened Up, Low Sugar, Meal Prep, One Pot Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian

The Best Burcha (aka Superfood Muesli)

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I’ve been itching to make this for a long time, and finally bit the bullet and found all these nuts and seeds. I gravitate toward overnight oats in the summer and for clinical days because it’s so easy to make when you have an early morning. Loni Jane’s version did not disappoint; her all nuts and seed take on bircher muesli is a refreshing break from oatmeal. I enjoy my grain-free porridge, but this is much chewier, crunchy and all-around nutty. I swapped sultana (dried grapes), mango and cacao nibs for dried cranberries, since that’s what I had. If you treat this like overnight oats or granola, this is definitely up your alley. I hesitate to use “superfoods,” but Burcha (A Nuts & Seed Bircher Muesli) is really just full of whole foods and nuts, healthy fats and lots of fiber. This kept me full all morning at clinical with that satisfied-that-I-didn’t-overeat feeling. Literally count down the hours that I can have this for breakfast again!

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, One Pot Dish, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Granola, Granola, Granolaaaa

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When I lived in Ithaca, I discovered how easy it was to make granola and it quickly became a staple to snack on and top yogurt, oatmeal and smoothie bowls. Fast forward to living in Boston and I realized I haven’t made granola in a while. I’ve been saving this recipe for Vanilla Cardamom Granola since right around Christmas, but I finally bought some ground cardamom yesterday. (Fun fact: apparently cardamom is the world’s third most expensive spice.) It has a very spicy, herbal and almost citrusy profile and reminded me of the flavor in lemon poppyseed muffins. The coconut flakes became browned in the oven, while the pecans are delightfully toasted. I topped my vanilla yogurt this morning with 1/4 c granola as an am snack. It’s light and hearty and oh, so satisfying.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dessert, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Snack, Vegetarian

In Love with Simplistic Yogurt Bowls

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This may seem really simple and like a no brainer, but I still don’t know why I don’t make these Yogurt Bowls more often. I love yogurt. I love granola. I love fruit. Why not always put them together? I just discovered Siggi’s Icelandic-Style Skyr at Whole Foods. I really like that their yogurts are high in protein but low(ish) in sugar. They’re also very recycle friendly — plus! Siggis also uses few ingredients and ones I can actually pronounce. I’d say this Yogurt Bowl is a win-win.
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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, Meal Prep, Vegan, Vegetarian

Must Have Muesli

Swiss Muesli: Three Ways

I found this idea for Apple Swiss Muesli during the hot, muggy month of August after my mom’s suggestion. It’s a breakfast that’s carried through to the cold weather, just swapping kiwi and coconut flakes for Superfood Poached Berries and hearty Pumpkin Spice Granola. (A cranberry orange zest with a dash of nutmeg may be in the future to hail the upcoming holidays.) It’s especially easy to make the night before in a Mason jar to have breakfast covered the next morning or to whisk away with you on your commute. This version of muesli is so easy to make and experiment with toppings to make your perfect breakfast.

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Low Sugar, One Pot Dish, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Autumn Granola

Pumpkin Spice Granola

I’ve been dying to make some granola lately. ‘Tis this season and the aromas perforated my kitchen and spelled oh-so-heavenly. More specifically, I’ve been dying to make some Pumpkin Spice Granola. I have big plans for tho granola. I may or may not be resurrecting my yogurt breakfast parfaits to showcase some autumn twists. I’m thinking sweetly spiced pumpkin, some vanilla Greek yogurt and this pumpkin spice granola would go nicely together . . .

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Breakfast/Brunch, Dessert, Snack, Vegetarian

The Perfect Breakfast: Strawberry Rhubarb Parfait

Zesty Strawberry Rhubarb Compote Parfait

It’s rhubarb season, strawberry season AND hot summer days season. Normally I have the luxury of enjoying fresh rhubarb back home in Maine — straight out of the garden. Thank God Whole Foods in Boston delivered; you can buy individual stalks when in season. My mom and I originally found this strawberry-rhubarb compote recipe from Skinny Taste a couple summers ago. The tartness of the rhubarb is perfectly balanced with sweet and juicy strawberries to make a sauce. This time, I added in lemon zest and a juicy ripe peach. Layer over your favorite yogurt and granola for a Zesty Strawberry Rhubarb Compote Parfait — the perfect on-the-go breakfast! (Or hey — even dessert.)

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Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

The Perfect Combo: Peaches & Pistachios

White Peach & Pistachio Granola

I haven’t made granola in a while, but having a snow day during my second week of work with nothing to do, this sounded like my best option. Plus, I’d have a delicious snack come the rest of the week. I went to Trader Joe’s for the first time and found dried peaches when I was looking for mangoes. They’re so delicious. I also had pistachios from the move and naturally White Peach & Pistachio Granola evolved. Toss in some nutmeg and viola! The perfect cold weather snack.

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Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Snack, Vegan, Vegetarian

Snackin’ on Granola

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Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Granola with Craisins is the perfect easy and delicious snack. I’ve never made granola with hazelnuts before, but the hazelnuts came out wonderfully toasted; chopped walnuts also work quite well, and are usually my go-t0 nut to add in. The mini dark chocolate chips gives you just enough of your chocolate fix without being overwhelming. With some many options for nuts, dried fruit and spices, you can experiment with what works best with the season or for you. I made this last fall and have been hooked ever since. You can make the granola in bulk and be happily snacking for the rest of the week!

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